Spark plug tool



Filed Sept. 25, l957 John E. Frauen/:olf:

lNr/ENTOR.

Attorney:

Unite States The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in spark plug tools, and has for its primary object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a device of this character comprising novel means for expeditiously and accurately adjusting the electrodes of a spark plug and indicating the size of the gap between said electrodes.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a spark plug tool of the aforementioned character which is adjustable and which, further, includes novel means for securing the adjustment.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a spark plug tool of the character described which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, compact, of light weight, and which may be manufactured at low cost.

These, together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a spark plug tool constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view in longitudinal section through the device;

Figure 3 is a view in transverse section, taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure l; and

Figure 4 is a side elevational view showing the device 1n use.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, it will be seen that the embodiment of the invention which has been illustrated comprises an elongated, gradually tapered Wedge 5 of suitable metal. The wedge 5, which is insertable longitudinally between the usual electrodes 6 of a conventional spark plug 7 to be adjusted, is provided with graduations 8.

Mounted for longitudinal sliding adjustment on the wedge 5 is a substantially channel-shaped stop member 9, also of suitable metal, the forward end 10 of which is engageable with the electrodes. An indicator or pointer 11 on the forward end of the stop member 9 extending forwardly thereof at one side of the stop member is readable on the graduations 8 forwardly of the stop member.

2,882,605 Patented Apr. 21, 1959 The stop member 9 comprises side anges 12 and 13 which are slidable on the longitudinal edges of the wedge 5. The ange 13 has formed therein a substantially U- shaped slit 14 defining a resilient tongue 15. The ange 12 and the tongue 15 are apertured, and mounted therein is a bolt 16. A thumb nut 17 is threaded on one end portion of the bolt 16 and engaged with the resilient tongue 15.

It is thought that the use of the device will be readily apparent from a consideration of the foregoing. Briey, the stop member 9 is adjusted to the desired position on the graduated wedge 5 and secured by tightening the thumb nut 17. When the thumb nut 17 is thus tightened, the resilient tongue 15 is pressed inwardly against the adjacent longitudinal edge of the wedge 5 for frictionally clamping the stop member 9 in adjusted position thereon in an obvious manner. The wedge 5 is then forced longitudinally between the electrodes until arrested by the engagement of the forward end l0 of the stop 9 with said electrodes. In this manner, the electrodes are spread or opened to provide the correct gap. The pointer 11, read against the graduations 8, indicates the thickness of the wedge 5 at the forward end l0 of the stop member 9.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

A spark plug tool comprising: an elongated, gradually tapered wedge insertable longitudinally forwardly between the electrodes of a spark plug for spreading said electrodes to widen the gap therebetween and having longitudinally spaced graduations for indicating different widths of gaps, a substantially channel-shaped stop member mounted for sliding adjustment forwardly on the wedge and engageable with the electrodes and having a forwardly projecting extension formed thereon at one side thereof for registration with said graduations forwardly of said stop member, said stop member including side iianges slidably receiving the Wedge therebetween, one of said flanges including an integral resilient tongue thereon cut out of the same, a bolt mounted in said tongue and in the other flange, and a nut threaded on said bolt and engageable with the tongue for pressing same against the wedge for frictionally securing the stop member m adjusted position thereon.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 450,065 Fontaine Apr. 7, 1891 673,687 Penfield May 7, 1901 2,311,234 Krajnc Feb. 16, 1943 2,579,386 Koenig Dec. 18, 1951 

